‘A man is not a plan’: How Naomi Simson created an experiences empire

Naomi Simson founded RedBalloon in 2001 on a shoestring budget. Now she’s looking to expand the company into the international market.

Usually seen in one of her trademark red dresses, Naomi Simson is one of Australia’s most recognisable and influential founders. Peter Rae

Yolanda RedrupRich List editor

Dec 15, 2024 – 2.30pm

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If you search “Naomi Simson” on Google Images, you will be hard-pressed to find a photo of the RedBalloon founder wearing anything but the vibrant colour.

Over the years, it has become something of a uniform for Simson, who started the experiences marketplace when she was 37 in 2001.

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Yolanda RedrupRich List editorYolanda Redrup is the editor of the AFR Rich List. She previously reported on technology, healthcare and Street Talk.